Academic Programs Catalog

The biomedical laboratory science (BLS) academic program (major) is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of applied biomedical sciences.  These include careers in the medical laboratory, public health, research, industry, human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, graduate school or other human health professional education.  The BLD courses are focused in curricular spirals within six disciplines: Clinical Chemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Immunology and Immunohematology, Hematology and Hemostasis, Medical Microbiology and Professional Writing (with a research and laboratory medicine emphasis). The medical laboratory experience required for national certification as a medical laboratory scientist is not included in this program, though BLS program advisors help students plan their career pathways. Students desiring Medical Laboratory Science certification are recommended to complete the medical laboratory science concentration and are responsible for securing accredited clinical experiences subsequent to completion of the degree.  The Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program will advise students in securing clinical practicum experiences.  The program will also provide advising and career support for students pursuing career pathways in public health, research, industry, human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or graduate school.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Biomedical Laboratory Science  major is met by completing Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics 456.  That course is referenced in item 3. b. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	Courses outside Biomedical Laboratory Science (44 to 51 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (27 credits):
   		BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology					3
   		BS	171	Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory					2
   		CEM	141	General Chemistry					4
   		CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I					1
   		CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II					1
   		CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I					3
   		CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II					3
   		MMG	365	Medical Microbiology					3
   		MMG	365L	Medical Microbiology Laboratory					1
   		PHY	231	Introductory Physics I					3
   		PHY	232	Introductory Physics II					3
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		MTH	124	Survey of Calculus I					3
   		MTH	132	Calculus I					3
   	(3)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		STT	200	Statistical Methods					3
   		STT	201	Statistical Methods					4
   		STT	231	Statistics for Scientists					3
   		STT	351	Probability and Statistics for Engineering					3
   		STT	421	Statistics I					3
   	(4)	One of the following, either (a) or (b) (4 or 6 credits):
   		(a)	BMB	401	Comprehensive Biochemistry				4
   		(b)	BMB	461	Advanced Biochemistry I				3
   			BMB	462	Advanced Biochemistry II				3
   	(5)	One of the following, either (a) or (b) (4 or 8 credits):
   		(a)	PSL	310	Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals				4
   		(b)	PSL	431	Human Physiology I				4
   			PSL	432	Human Physiology II				4
   	(6)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		MMG	201	Fundamentals of Microbiology					3
   		MMG	301	Introductory Microbiology					3
   b.	All of the following Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics courses (24 credits):
   	BLD	121	Survive and Thrive Freshman Seminar						1
   	BLD	204	Mechanisms of Disease						3
   	BLD	213L	Clinical Laboratory Methods						2
   	BLD	302	Clinical Chemistry						2
   	BLD	313	Quality in Clinical Laboratory Practice						3
   	BLD	314L	Advanced Clinical Laboratory Methods						1
   	BLD	324	Hematology and Hemostasis						3
   	BLD	430	Molecular Laboratory Diagnostics						2
   	BLD	434	Clinical Immunology						3
   	BLD	435	Immunohematology						2
   	BLD	456	Medical Laboratory Professionalism (W)						2
   c.	One of the following concentrations or minor:
   	Advanced Biomedical Technologies (11 or 12 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (8 credits):
   		BLD	461	Advanced Biomedical Technologies					3
   		BLD	461L	Advanced Biomedical Technologies Laboratory					1
   		CMSE	201	Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I					4
   	(2)	One of the following, either (a) or (b) (3 or 4 credits):
   		(a)  All of the following courses:
   		BLD	439	Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics					1
   		BLD	446	Immunobiology Neoplasia					1
   		BLD	447	Immunotherapy and Immunomodulation					1
   		(b) One of the following courses:
   		CMSE	202	Computational Modeling and Data Analysis II					4
   		MMG	431	Microbial Genetics					3
   		MMG	465	Advanced Medical Microbiology					3
   	Clinical Chemistry (12 or 13 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (7 credits):
   		BLD	402	Advanced Clinical Chemistry					4
   		CEM	333	Instrumental Methods and Applications					3
   	(2)	Two of the following courses (5 or 6 credits):
   		BE	230	Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems					3
   		CEM	255	Organic Chemistry Laboratory					2
   		CEM	262	Quantitative Analysis					3
   		CEM	311	Inorganic Chemistry					3
   		CEM	383	Introductory Physical Chemistry I					3
   		PHM	321	Common Drugs					3
   		PHM	350	Introductory Human Pharmacology					3
   		PHM	430	Human Pharmacology					3
   		PHM	450	Introduction to Chemical Toxicology					3
   	Medical Microbiology (10 to 12 credits)
   	(1)	All of the following courses (8 credits):
   		MMG	465	Advanced Medical Microbiology					3
   		MMG	465L	Advanced Medical Microbiology Laboratory					2
   		MMG	461	Molecular Pathogenesis					3
   	(2)	One of the following courses (2 to 4 credits):
   		BE	230	Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems					3
   		BLD	366	Infectious Diseases of East Africa					4
   		BLD	461	Advanced Biomedical Technologies					3
   		BLD	861	Emerging Infections, Emerging Technology					2
   		EPI	390	Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health					4
   		HM	801	Introduction to Public Health					3
   		MMG	413	Virology					3
   		MMG	421	Prokaryotic Cell Physiology					3
   		MMG	431	Microbial Genetics					3
   	Hematology and Hemostasis (7 to 9 credits)
   	(1)	All of the following courses (3 credits):
   		BLD	424	Advanced Hematology and Hemostasis					2
   		BLD	424L	Advanced Hematology, Hemostasis and Urinalysis Laboratory					1
   	(2)	Two of the following courses (2 credits):
   		BLD	439	Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics					1
   		BLD	446	Immunobiology of Neoplasia					1
   		BLD	447	Immunomodulation and Immunotherapy					1
   	(3)	One of the following courses (2 to 4 credits):
   		BLD	815	Cell Biology in Health and Disease I					2
   		IBIO	341	Fundamental Genetics					4
   		IBIO	408	Histology					4
   		IBIO	425	Cells and Development (W)					4
   		IBIO	450	Cancer Biology (W)					3
   		MMG	409	Eukaryotic Cell Biology					3
   		PHM	350	Introductory Human Pharmacology					3
   	Medical Laboratory Science (13 credits)
   	All of the following courses:
   	BLD	402	Advanced Clinical Chemistry						4
   	BLD	424	Advanced Hematology and Hemostasis						2
   	BLD	424L	Advanced Hematology, Hemostasis and Urinalysis Laboratory						1
   	BLD	435L	Immunohematology Laboratory						1
   	MMG	465	Advanced Medical Microbiology						3
   	MMG	465L	Advanced Medical Microbiology Laboratory						2

The medical laboratory science major is designed to prepare students for certification in medical laboratory science. The program includes courses in the biomedical laboratory sciences, communications, mathematics and statistics, and medical laboratory sciences coupled with clinical practicum experiences. It is designed to prepare graduates for certification and immediate employment in medical laboratories upon graduation by including a six-month hospital laboratory experience.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in medical laboratory science has been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois 60018; phone (773) 714-8880.

Admission

Enrollment in the medical laboratory science major is limited. A new cohort is admitted at the end of the spring semester of the junior year. Applications for admission are due by the end of fall semester of the junior year. Applicant interviews are conducted during the spring semester of junior year. Admission decisions for students admitted to the medical laboratory science major are made following review of final grades from spring semester of junior year. 

To be considered for admission, the applicant must meet the following minimum criteria, in addition to the College of Natural Science admission requirements:

1. Have an overall grade-point average of 2.50 or better including courses taken at other institutions.
2. Have a grade-point average of 2.50 or better in the following courses: BLD 204, BLD 213L, BLD 313, and BLD 314L.
3. Have completed BMB 401, MMG 365, MMG 365L, BLD 324, and BLD 434.

Students who present other exceptional credentials, but do not meet the grade-point criterion noted above, may be considered for admission on a provisional basis.

Applications for admission to the medical laboratory science major are reviewed by a committee of faculty. Factors considered by the Admission Committee in the applicant’s review and admission action are: (1) academic record including grade-point averages in science and non-science courses; (2) grades for selected preclinical courses; (3) laboratory science exposure; (4) interview; and (5) compositions. Students who are admitted provisionally and require additional course work to remedy deficiencies may not count this course work towards the fulfillment of degree requirements.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science

1. A minimum of 134 credits is required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
2. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Medical Laboratory Science major is met by completing Biomedical Laboratory Science 456.  That course is referenced in item 4. b. below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 4. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
3. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree. The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 4. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
4. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	Courses outside Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (52 to 59 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (35 credits):
   		BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology					3
   		BS	171	Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory					2
   		CEM	141	General Chemistry					4
   		CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I					1
   		CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II					1
   		CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I					3
   		CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II					3
   		CEM	333	Instrumental Methods and Applications					3
   		MMG	365	Medical Microbiology					3
   		MMG	365L	Medical Microbiology Laboratory					1
   		MMG	465	Advanced Medical Microbiology					3
   		MMG	465L	Advanced Medical Microbiology Laboratory					2
   		PHY	231	Introductory Physics I					3
   		PHY	232	Introductory Physics II					3
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		MTH	124	Survey of Calculus I					3
   		MTH	132	Calculus I					3
   	(3)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		STT	200	Statistical Methods					3
   		STT	201	Statistical Methods					4
   		STT	231	Statistics for Scientists					3
   		STT	351	Probability and Statistics for Engineering					3
   		STT	421	Statistics I					3
   	(4)	One of the following, either (a) or (b) (4 or 6 credits):
   		(a)	BMB	401	Comprehensive Biochemistry				4
   		(b)	BMB	461	Advanced Biochemistry I				3
   			BMB	462	Advanced Biochemistry II				3
   	(5)	One of the following, either (a) or (b) (4 or 6 credits):
   		(a)	PSL	310	Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals				4
   		(b)	PSL	431	Human Physiology I				4
   			PSL	432	Human Physiology II				4
   	(6)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		MMG	201	Fundamentals of Microbiology					3
   		MMG	301	Introductory Microbiology					3
   b.	All of the following Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics courses (47 credits):
   	BLD	121	Survive and Thrive Freshman Seminar						1
   	BLD	204	Mechanisms of Disease						3
   	BLD	213L	Clinical Laboratory Methods						2
   	BLD	302	Clinical Chemistry						2
   	BLD	313	Quality in Clinical Laboratory Practice						3
   	BLD	314L	Advanced Clinical Laboratory Methods						1
   	BLD	324	Hematology and Hemostasis						3
   	BLD	402	Advanced Clinical Chemistry						4
   	BLD	424	Advanced Hematology and Hemostasis						2
   	BLD	424L	Advanced Hematology, Hemostasis and Urinalysis Laboratory						1
   	BLD	430	Molecular Diagnostics						2
   	BLD	434	Clinical Immunology						3
   	BLD	435	Immunohematology						2
   	BLD	435L	Immunohematology Laboratory						1
   	BLD	445	Medical Laboratory Management						1
   	BLD	456	Medical Laboratory Professionalism (W)						2
   	BLD	471L	Advanced Clinical Chemistry Laboratory						3
   	BLD	473L	Advanced Clinical Hematology and Body Fluids Laboratory						3
   	BLD	475L	Advanced Clinical Immunology and Immunohematology Laboratory						2
   	BLD	477L	Advanced Clinical Microbiology Laboratory						3
   	BLD	479	Professional Behavior in Medical Laboratory Science						1
   	BLD	480	Medical Laboratory Science Examinations I						1
   	BLD	481	Medical Laboratory Science Examinations II						1
   	During the clinical practicum, usually two semesters, the student may be required to relocate and/or commute to a clinical laboratory in an affiliated clinical facility.

 Academic Standards

To progress to the clinical phase of the curriculum, students must earn a grade-point average of 2.50 or higher in MMG 465, MMG 465L, BLD 402, BLD 424, BLD 424L, BLD 430, BLD 435, and BLD 435L. Students who do not meet this progression standard will be dismissed from the medical laboratory science degree and can graduate with a biomedical laboratory science degree.

A specific statement of the policies for the clinical phase is provided in the Student Policies for Medical Laboratory Science Students. These policies are provided to all students upon acceptance to the major, but may be obtained earlier from the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, 354 Farm Lane, Room N322, East Lansing, MI 48824. Admitted students are responsible for knowing and adhering to these program policies.



 

The Master of Arts degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science is administered by the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program. The program is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge base and broaden their perspectives across the profession. In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet all requirements specified below.

 

Admission

Regular admission to the Master of Arts degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science requires completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a grade-point average that is indicative of success in the program, including the following course work:

1. Completion of 16 credits of biological science including one semester of microbiology.
2. Completion of 16 credits of chemistry including organic chemistry and/or biochemistry.
3. Completion of 3 credits of statistics.

Applicants must:

1. Submit official transcripts.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation on official letterhead paper from professional references such as supervisors, professors, or project leaders, people who have overseen your work and can speak to your ability to think critically, work independently, and succeed in graduate work. The letter must include the recommender's credentials and contact information.
3. Submit a letter of intent or purpose statement that addresses why you want to enter graduate education, including career goals and educational goals. Highlight exceptional achievements or explain low performance or withdrawal from undergraduate courses.
4. Submit a brief resume.
5. Submit General Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE exam score can be waived in lieu of a professional credential. 
6. Submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the first language.
7. Scholastic record, experience, personal qualifications and career goals will be taken into consideration to determine the applicant’s acceptability.

Applicants who fail to meet the criteria for regular admission, may apply for provisional admission if they have demonstrated a high probability of success and will be provided other options to obtain a post-baccalaureate clinical laboratory education.

For additional information on admission, contact the Graduate Program Director, 322 North Kedzie Hall, 354 Farm Lane, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science

The program is available online and only under Plan B (without thesis). The student must complete a total of 30 credits from the following:

1.	All of the following courses (10 or 11 credits):
	BLD	801	Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar				2
	BLD	805	Communication in the Sciences				2
	BLD	811	Fundamentals of Scientific Research				1
	BLD	890	Selected Problems in Clinical Laboratory Science				2 or 3
	PHM	830	Experimental Design and Analysis				3
2.	Complete at least 14 credits from the following courses:
	BLD	815	Cell Biology in Health and Disease I				2
	BLD	816	Cell Biology in Health and Disease II				2
	BLD	821	Advanced Clinical Laboratory Practice				1
	BLD	830	Concepts in Molecular Biology				2
	BLD	831	Clinical Application of Molecular Biology				2
	BLD	832	Molecular Pathology Laboratory				2
	BLD	835	Hemostasis, Thrombosis and Effective Resource Management				3
	BLD	836	Adverse Transfusion Outcomes: Detection, Monitoring and Prevention				2
	BLD	837	Transfusion Service Operations and Management				1
	BLD	838	Clinical Context of Blood Product Management				1
	BLD	842	Managing Biomedical Laboratory Operations				2
	BLD	844	Topics in Biomedical Laboratory Operations				1
	BLD	846	Decision Processes for Biomedical Laboratory Operations				2
	BLD	850	Concepts in Immunodiagnostics				2
	BLD	851	Clinical Application of Immunodiagnostic Principles				2
	BLD	852	Immunodiagnostics Laboratory				2
	BLD	853	Advanced Flow Cytometry				2
	BLD	861	Emerging Infections, Emerging Technology				2
	BLD	870	Clinical Mass Spectrometry Theory				2
	BLD	871	Applied Clinical Mass Spectrometry				2
	BLD	872	Clinical Mass Spectrometry Laboratory				2
3.	Complete 5 credits of electives as approved by the guidance committee.
4.	Successfully complete a capstone project.

The graduate program in clinical laboratory sciences leads to the Master of Science degree. The program emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the laboratory sciences, encourages research that crosses traditional laboratory disciplines, and promotes innovative thinking.
The curriculum is customized to the student's interests and to supporting the project each student identifies. Students may conduct research projects with both resident and adjunct faculty.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission to the Master of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences requires completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a grade-point average that is indicative of success in the program, including the following course work:

1. Completion of 16 credits of biological science including one semester of microbiology.
2. Completion of 16 credits of chemistry including organic chemistry and/or biochemistry.
3. Completion of 3 credits of statistics.

Applicants must:

1. Submit official transcripts.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation on official letterhead paper from professional references such as supervisors, professors, or project leaders, people who have overseen your work and can speak to your ability to think critically, work independently, and succeed in graduate work. The letter must include the recommender's credentials and contact information.
3. Submit a letter of intent or purpose statement that addresses why you want to enter graduate education, including career goals and educational goals. Highlight exceptional achievements or explain low performance or withdrawal from undergraduate courses.
4. Submit a brief resume.
5. Submit General Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE exam score can be waived in lieu of a professional credential.
6. Submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the first language.

Certification as a medical technologist/clinical laboratory scientist is preferred, but not required for admission. Scholastic record, experience, personal qualifications and career goals will be taken into consideration to determine the applicant’s acceptability.
For additional information on admission, contact the Graduate Program Director, 322 North Kedzie Hall, 354 Farm Lane, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B:
1.	All of the following courses:
	BLD	801	Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar				2
	BLD	805	Communication in the Sciences				2
	BLD	811	Fundamentals of Scientific Research				1
2.	At least 4 credits of 800-level Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics courses approved by the student's academic advisor.
3.	One course in biochemistry or cell biology as approved by the guidance committee.
4.	One 400-level or 800-level course in statistics as approved by the guidance committee.
5.	Not more than 9 credits in 400–level courses. All 400-level courses must be approved by the guidance committee.
Additional Requirements for Plan A:
	BLD	899	Master's Thesis Research				7
Additional Requirements for Plan B:
	BLD	890	Selected Problems in Clinical Laboratory Science				3

The master’s degree program in biomedical laboratory operations is designed for individuals with previous clinical laboratory experience who seek career advancement as managers, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the field. The core of this program resides in three major components: science, management and practice. The science component focuses on post-baccalaureate courses planned to develop a high level of competence within the student’s chosen biomedical laboratory discipline. The management component provides a solid foundation in general business including resource management, communication skills, organizational structures, decision making, and essential aspects of working in a regulated industry. The degree is intended to expose individuals to real-life problems with an expectation of generating positive, realistic solutions.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission to the Master of Science degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations requires completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a grade-point average that is indicative of success in the program, including the following course work:

1. Completion of 16 credits of biological science including one semester of microbiology.
2. Completion of 16 credits of chemistry including organic chemistry and/or biochemistry.
3. Completion of 3 credits of statistics.
4. A minimum of two years’ experience in a clinical laboratory setting beyond the clinical internship.

Applicants must:

1. Submit official transcripts.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation on official letterhead paper from professional references such as supervisors, professors, or project leaders, people who have overseen your work and can speak to your ability to think critically, work independently, and succeed in graduate work. The letter must include the recommender's credentials and contact information.
3. Submit a letter of intent or purpose statement that addresses why you want to enter graduate education, including career goals and educational goals. Highlight exceptional achievements or explain low performance or withdrawal from undergraduate courses.
4. Submit a brief resume.
5. Submit General Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE exam score can be waived in lieu of a professional credential. 
6. Submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the first language.

Scholastic record, experience, personal qualifications and career goals will be taken into consideration to determine the applicant’s acceptability.

For additional information on admission, contact the Graduate Program Director, 322 North Kedzie Hall, 354 Farm Lane, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations

The student must complete 31 credits under Plan B (without thesis). The specific program of study includes competence in statistics and completion of a project in Biomedical Laboratory Operations as determined in consultation with the student’s guidance committee. The final oral examination, which covers both course work and research, is administered by the student’s guidance committee.

1.	The following courses (9 credits):
	BLD	801	Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar				1
	BLD	805	Communication in the Sciences				2
	BLD	811	Fundamentals of Scientific Research				1
	BLD	842	Managing Biomedical Laboratory Operations				2
	BLD	844	Topics in Biomedical Laboratory Operations				1
	BLD	846	Decision Processes for Biomedical Laboratory Operations				2
2.	Complete a minimum of 13 credits in courses with a science focus.
3.	Complete a minimum of 3 credits of BLD 895 Projects in Biomedical Laboratory Operations. The project will be determined in consultation with the student's guidance committee.
4.	Complete 6 credits of electives as approved by the guidance committee.
5.	Pass a final oral examination.